10 key flooring trends
From the new herringbone to patterned vinyl, industry experts share the most popular flooring trends of 2022…
1. Indoor-outdoor tiles
Perfect for blurring the lines between the indoors and outdoors, tiles that flow seamlessly from kitchen to patio are unsurprisingly growing in demand.
‘As many of us prefer more informal dining situations at home, a tile that can work in rooms used for both food preparation and enjoyment become increasingly sought after,’ says Rob Whitaker, Creative Director at Claybrook. ‘Add to that the popularity of opening up the indoors to connect with outdoors then tiles with an exterior option to continue the look are a sure-fire hit. This outside tiling needs more slip resistance for safety, but can be just as lovely.’
The Trousdale Tread Martin tiles from Claybrook
2. Real wood flooring
A timeless choice, statement wooden flooring in herringbone, chevron, and parquet patterns remain top of the list when it comes to current flooring trends. Great for creating a continuous flow throughout the home, this heritage style of flooring is full of rustic outdoorsy charm. A more modern take on this classic style, lighter tones are also on the rise.
‘Blonde wooden flooring is now a trend particularly inspired and popularised by the ongoing appreciation of Scandinavian design,’ says Jenna Kane, Product Development at Kersaint Cobb. ‘A great way to brighten up the home, a light finish on wood flooring achieves an authentically rustic style that will allow for contrast when paired against darker walls and furniture.’
The Levana Herringbone from Kersaint Cobb
3. Luxury vinyl tiles (LVT)
Perfect for homeowners who want the natural wood aesthetic, but also need their floors to be fuss-free and kid-friendly, LVT is the ultimate solution. The technology of this flooring is so clever that it mimics the look of real wood, but is a lot more durable and multi-functional.
‘Perfect for busy lifestyles and family life, LVT allows home designers to achieve a unique floor full of personality,’ says Stella Coyle, National Retail Sales Manager at Karndean Design flooring. ‘LVT also offers the added option to select different laying patterns including on trend herringbone.’
Van Gogh Rigid Core from Karndean Design flooring
4. Patterned vinyl
With many of us taking up crafts during lockdown, we’ve got more of an appreciation for artisanal crafts and pastoral living. So it’s no surprise that the Cottagecore aesthetic is on the rise, and Victorian flooring trends with it.
‘Benefiting from modern production methods, vinyl flooring is hard wearing, affordable, and available in a huge array of designs,’ says Inga Morris-Blincoe, general manager at Lifestyle Floors. ‘With bold large scale patterns a big flooring trend, it’s no surprise that patterned vinyl is proving to be a popular way to add instant impact.’
Harlem Iconic vinyl from Lifestyle Floors
5. Rugs and runners
Highly durable and easily cleaned with just a light sweep and mop, hard flooring remains a practical and affordable choice for busy homes. But with expressing ourselves through our homes a common interior design theme this year, rugs and runners are proving to be an essential addition. They also bring warmth and texture to a room, and are great for creating ‘zones’ in open plan spaces.
‘Combining hard flooring with statement rugs and runners will also remain on trend,’ says David Snazel, hard flooring buyer at Carpetright. ‘Layering the two materials injects an additional level of comfort while providing a way to introduce colour into the room. Consider big and bold prints with large scale patterns and bright colour ways to create a focal point in the room.’
Kahrs Rugged Crater Wood Flooring from Carpetright
6. Browns over greys
Although slate and steel tones oozed sophistication pre-lockdown, now there’s something a little too gloomy about grey when it comes to interior design. With the past year helping us connect with nature and simple living, we’re seeing 2021 as the year that warm and earthy tones take over.
‘Tapi reports that searches for beige, browns, light wooden colour palettes in carpet and flooring have risen in the last 12 months,’ says Johanna Constantinou, brand and communications director at Tapi Carpets & Floors. ‘We’ve found that these colours add visual texture and depth to a room, and look gorgeous when paired with other outdoor elements like original stonework, exposed wooden beams, and natural materials.”
The Mansion House carpet from Tapi
7. New herringbone
Herringbone flooring has proven to be extremely popular over the past few years, but now we’re seeing natural colours giving way to greys. Whether you opt for different shades of grey, black or even blush pink, there’s a style to suit everyone.
Lifestyle Floors
8. Constellation-inspired
Constellation-inspired homeware is everywhere right now and it has even made its way into flooring! Make a statement with your choice of floor tiles and opt for an intricate star design. These work well in bathrooms and hallways and will be sure to make a showstopping entrance.
Topps Tiles
9. The concrete look
Concrete is a material that is adored by industrial interior lovers everywhere. However, real concrete surfaces can be really expensive to make and install. But no fear – you can now find vinyl options on the high street that create the same effect but are a fraction of the price.
Carpetright
10. Hexagon-shaped
Think outside the box when it comes to changing your floors and choose a hexagon design. If you’re looking to switch things up and want something super modern and unique, hexagon-shaped flooring comes in lots of different colours and styles that will suit any room in your home.
Walls and Floors